I'm Sioux Roslawski and this is my blog about writing, dogs, grown-up children, menopause, the joy of a marvelous book, classroom teaching in general, and specifically, the teaching of writing. You can email me at sroslawski(at)yahoo(dot)com.

The Pyrenees---Southern France

Friday, April 21, 2017

This is a picture of my son. (He's the one on the right.) My boy's a little over six-feet tall, just in case you think the guy who runs with scissors is normal, height-wise.Ian plays Ultimate, which (in case you didn't know) is like soccer, but it's played with a frisbee.He also loves to play basketball, football, tennis, soccer and volleyball. He enjoys joking with his friends and family. He's got a zest for life.At the end of May, Ian will be getting married. After the wedding, I hope he and his bride continue on the joyous path they've started traveling on... 'cause life is too short to miss out on the delights living has to offer.And now, onto this week's book blurb offering:Look at the photo below. That is the cover of your book. You choose the genre. A book on the history of statues? A how-to book from Bob Ross? He turned over in his grave over some recent paintings, and now--risen from the dead--has turned to sculpting. You decide.

Write an enticing blurb--150 words or less. (The title doesn't count in the word count.) Blurbs are those enticing bits that prod you into buying the book. Sometimes they're on the back cover of the book. Sometimes they're on the inside front cover. What they always try to do is lure you into purchasing the book.

Lisa Ricard Claro was the original creator of this writing challenge. Currently, she's super busy. She and her hubster sold their house to finance Lisa's latest obsession. It's Viggo. Again. Yes, Lisa is stalking Viggo Mortensen (she wants to photobomb him) and her understanding husband has agreed to take the proceeds from the sale of their house to pay for her adventure. They bought the old Partridge Family bus and are criss-crossing the country in search of the elusive actor. Since she's unable to host the book blurb bit anymore, I've taken over.

Include your blurb in a blog post. Include a link to this post. Also, link your post to Mr. Linky. Mr. Linky is easy. If you've never done it, you'll be impressed with how simple he is. And then, check out the other blurb(s). It's interesting to see the different directions writers take, given the same photo.

Here's the book cover, along with my blurb:

The Solitary Man--Off the Grid

If you loved the first two books about Norman’s real life camper adventures, you’ll love the third one in the series.

Not content to merely live as a minimalist--space-wise--our quirky hermit is now transforming his living space so he can live completely off the grid.

After spending hours poring over research volumes at the library, Norman came back home and immediately boarded up all the windows of his home-sweet-home. Then, he went shopping and bought a trunkful of pork and beans. He boiled some eggs. He pickled cabbage and canned it.

With the camper as tight as a tick, and with Norman’s belly full of gas-producing food, he’s confident he’ll be able to heat his home with a regular supply of methane.

Will his plan work? Will he be able to reduce his carbon footprint through beans and deviled eggs? Read The Solitary Man--Off the Grid to find out. (149 words)

And for Val and Pat and anyone else who wants to work ahead, here is the photo for next week:

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Do you live in the St. Louis area? Do you have plans on Saturday? Would you enjoy being able to write for a few hours?

This is one of the sculptures atLaumeier Park.

If you answered "yes" to each of those questions, come to Laumeier Sculpture Park on Saturday (4/22) from 1-4.We're meeting at the main entrance. It's a Camp NaNoWriMo session, but anyone is welcome to join us--kids and adults.If you come, bring a water bottle and a snack to sustain you... and remember: I have my eye on you.